Latest news with #CBBCNewsround


Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: who has been announced?
Strictly Come Dancing has started to announce its cast for 2025 - see our updating list 💃🕺 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Strictly Come Dancing has started announcing its 2025 cast. The first stars of the latest season are starting to be revealed. But who has been announced so far? Strictly Come Dancing has announced the first star who will be taking to the dance floor this autumn. The road to the Glitterball Trophy has started and more names will be revealed soon. The BBC has started to lift the curtain on the 2025 series of its iconic dancing show. It will be revealing the full line-up over the coming weeks, but the one name has now been revealed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the stars of the Beeb's Gladiators revival will be swapping one hit show for another. Two new professional dancers have previously been revealed to be joining the line-up for 2025. Who has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025? Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is in the cast of Strictly Come Dancing for 2025 | BBC Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro) is the first star to be confirmed for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing. He has already had some dancing practice after taking part in the 2024's Christmas Special - where he was partnered with Nancy Xu. He was revealed in a surprise announcement that saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers. Three more stars are set to be confirmed later today on The One Show from 7pm today (August 11) on BBC One/ iPlayer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey says: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host Strictly Come Dancing. Photo: BBC | BBC Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic Games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. Full cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 - updating: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro) Strictly Come Dancing confirms new professional dancers Strictly Come Dancing new pros for 2025: Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon | BBC Two new professional dancers will also be taking to the floor for the latest series of Strictly, the BBC has confirmed. Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will shimmy onto the dancefloor this autumn. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as 'America's Favourite Dancer', becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series' accompanying US tour for the past three years. Alexis has also danced on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States - including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alexis said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.' Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage. He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist. Julian is a keen athlete, and 2025 has so far seen him complete two triathlons. Speaking about signing up for the show, he said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! " When will Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start? The show is set to return in September, the BBC has said. It will be broadcast live on both BBC One and iPlayer. An exact date will be confirmed closer to the start. However, for reference, last year's series began on September 14.


Daily Mirror
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gladiator Nitro's life off camera as Olympian and millionaire as he joins Strictly
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has been announced as the very first Strictly Come Dancing contestant for 2025, but the sprinter has been competing at the highest level in the UK since he was a teenager Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his Olympic sprinting and his role on Gladiators: Epic Pranks, surprised viewers by becoming the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The announcement was cleverly delivered during a live segment on CBBC Newsround, where Harry disguised himself as the acclaimed choreographer Nicky Trott on Monday morning. Appearing in character, Harry was set to discuss Nicky's recent collaboration with scientists on a study exploring the benefits of daily dancing. However, Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence quickly saw through the costume and revealed the true identity of her guest. It comes after Strictly fans were left disappointed as one star pulled out of a main role ahead of the series launch. Dropping the disguise, Harry shared the real reason for his visit: he's signed up to compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing! This marks his exciting debut on the popular BBC show. Produced by BBC Studios, the new season of Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, promising another thrilling lineup of celebrities and professional dancers. Harry, 36, who is a champion sprinter, has been a top competitor in the UK from his youth. At just 17, he made history by becoming the first athlete to clinch gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, earning him the title of 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year. "I was gifted from a young age," he remarked. As he matured, this athletic dynamo secured gold in the 4x100 metres relay at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. His accolades include being a two-time Olympian and a World Bronze Medallist, among numerous other sporting triumphs. He previously admitted that he draws inspiration from Muhammad Ali, with Harry expressing: "When the odds were against him and people didn't think that he'd be as successful as he was, that's one of the things that drives me. Sometimes in the face of adversity you've just got to drive through it." Now in his mid-thirties, Harry juggles his role as an online fitness coach, managing a thriving app, with his ongoing commitment to athletics. His estimated net worth stands at £3.9 million. The athlete towers at 5ft 11ins and boasts thighs measuring a remarkable 25ins around. His diet is predominantly protein-heavy, with steak for breakfast and cured meat snacks. "I've been blessed with good genetics, obviously," Harry shared last year with Men's Health magazine. Growing up in Leicestershire, he was an avid fan of the original Gladiators series, and he described being part of the new show as "a childhood dream come true". "You think: 'Gosh, I played those games in the estate where I grew up and I've got the opportunity to actually bring it to life," he remarked. "It's a celebration of what we are and what we've done." Harry enjoys a strong social media presence with an impressive 299,000 followers on Instagram and frequently uploads popular workout videos to YouTube. In addition to fitness content, the father occasionally posts charming photos of his young daughter Aubreé-Isla, whom he affectionately calls his "Mini Me".


Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: who has been announced?
Strictly Come Dancing has started to announce its cast for 2025 - see our updating list 💃🕺 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Strictly Come Dancing has started announcing its 2025 cast. The first stars of the latest season are starting to be revealed. But who has been announced so far? Strictly Come Dancing has announced the first star who will be taking to the dance floor this autumn. The road to the Glitterball Trophy has started and more names will be revealed soon. The BBC has started to lift the curtain on the 2025 series of its iconic dancing show. It will be revealing the full line-up over the coming weeks, but the one name has now been revealed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the stars of the Beeb's Gladiators revival will be swapping one hit show for another. Two new professional dancers have previously been revealed to be joining the line-up for 2025. Who has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025? Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is in the cast of Strictly Come Dancing for 2025 | BBC Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro) is the first star to be confirmed for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing. He has already had some dancing practice after taking part in the 2024's Christmas Special - where he was partnered with Nancy Xu. He was revealed in a surprise announcement that saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers. Three more stars are set to be confirmed later today on The One Show from 7pm today (August 11) on BBC One/ iPlayer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey says: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host Strictly Come Dancing. Photo: BBC | BBC Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic Games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. Full cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 - updating: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro) Strictly Come Dancing confirms new professional dancers Strictly Come Dancing new pros for 2025: Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon | BBC Two new professional dancers will also be taking to the floor for the latest series of Strictly, the BBC has confirmed. Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will shimmy onto the dancefloor this autumn. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as 'America's Favourite Dancer', becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series' accompanying US tour for the past three years. Alexis has also danced on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States - including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alexis said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.' Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage. He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist. Julian is a keen athlete, and 2025 has so far seen him complete two triathlons. Speaking about signing up for the show, he said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! " When will Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start? The show is set to return in September, the BBC has said. It will be broadcast live on both BBC One and iPlayer. An exact date will be confirmed closer to the start. However, for reference, last year's series began on September 14. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.